Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Patterson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I had my “Artist Epiphany” during that awkward coming-of-age stage between 12-14. I breathed a little more unevenly around certain boys, but I had no gauge of my own femininity. Ex:) P.E circa 2009. 13 years old; haircut like Hermione. Shorts hiked up, shirt pulled down, walking around like some gremlin with scoliosis trying to convince people I was stealthy enough to sneak past the gym teachers with no pants. I couldn’t protest when many of my classmates concluded I was a somewhat odd person. This was comforting to me in the long run, since many artists are somewhat odd people. Yearbook, art classes, and marching band were where I felt most at home. With the exception of the Spruill Art Center, I didn’t take a formal art class until 9th grade. Translation: I was obsessed with manga and hyperrealism because it was the only art I really appreciated.
But, education usually yields appreciation, so I started trying to create art in every style with every medium because practically everything inspired me. This phase of my life extended through college, and I still get easily overwhelmed with all the projects I want to start. But, in 2017 I began creating online tutorials for a subscription-based website called sparketh.com, which is such an amazing outlet for me because I love teaching and I have the opportunity to teach in many different styles. Anyways, I thought graduating with a Drawing/Painting major might be daunting post-college, but it has been more liberating than anything and my marketing minor has served as a great mental guide and business plan. I was able to take some time to travel, pick up a couple of modeling gigs, and even be on the set of Bad Boys III. I was hired as an administrator at Alan Avery Art Company in early March, so I have the privilege of knowing information about the careers of dozens of successful contemporary artists, I think there’s someone up there pulling my heart in certain directions- I would have never guessed I would be here. But, I have peace that it’s exactly where I need to be right now.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
College itself was just a tumultuous mass of overworking, overthinking, and over-drinking. Like an existential crisis covered in pizza and Everclear. My worst decisions were tied to a gnarly codependent relationship that really mentally messed me up for a while (I’m sure he was too, honestly.) I will say, one of my other questionable decisions was to start working with a photography studio as a side-hustle, only to find they disguised unusable erotica as “themed fashion shoots.” They would allow anyone with a camera into the studio, and I do mean anyone. It became clear that many men there were not shooting to create, but to scope out women. The owner made it clear to me that he had no interest in performing background checks on these people, and I realized that shooting there would never advance my career. So I left. These days, the quality of the photographer matters much more to me than the quantity of photos one can give you. In terms of art, the biggest challenges for me are focus and positivity.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Amy Patterson – what should we know?
So, I’m kind of a one-stop-shop for many things. My main focus is painting in oil- and I’m very good at realism. I also do a ton of digital illustration, but most of that work is for my own practice for when I want to illustrate books. I can do layout design, so at work, I design pages for our website as well as postcards for artist openings. Speaking of- shoutout to Michi Meko, who will be having an opening at Alan Avery Art Company on May 3rd! Ah yeah, and I’m probably most proud of these three massive portraits (2′ x 3′ each) I was commissioned to do by the owner of this McDonalds in Acworth. It was an insanely rewarding job, and I learned so much. I think what sets me apart from other people is my versatility. I’m not just a cog built to do one thing on a machine. I’m a traditional and digital artist, model, actor, tutor, writer, musician, skater, and just an open-minded contemplating, motorcycle-riding woman who wants to learn. Everything is interesting because everything is connected.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The ability to organize goals, be efficient with time, and network like crazy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amypatterson-art.com/
- Phone: 770-371-0471
- Email: amy.miku@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contemplatelife/
Image Credit:
Noi Tran., Ugo Agoruah
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